Job Discussion Forums

[Cubism]

Not every place requires a recommendation letter; but everybody wants a release letter. Correct? I just wrote my FAO and asked: will you give me a release letter after this term? (She refused to sign the recommendation letter. Legal or not, that's what's happened.)

Next question: are there still jobs around where you get an F visa? I even had an FAO give me F visa and just not mention it to me. Never gave me a foreign expert card -- happened twice...

Thanks. Cube

[Teatime of Soul]

The gov. asks schools to make a form that states whether the FT has fulfilled his obligations to the school and whether the school believes the FT fit for future hire in China.

It is only that school's opinion and future employers are not bound by the opinion of the previous employer.

Nonetheless, a negative reference might limit competitiveness and/or require some explaining on the part of the FT.

One copy goes to the local PSB.

[cormac]

Quick question. I have my original letter of notice to finish employment with the schools' various stamps on it. Does that count as a letter of release? I never got anything else from them, and don't feel like going back asking for something more formal.

[Teatime of Soul]

It will be up to your next employer to determine if what you present is in fact, or is acceptable in lieu of, a letter of Release.

What you describe sounds vaguely like a Letter of Release, but it's impossible to know without viewing.

[Cubism]

My current e employer finally did reply to the uni who wanted to hire me. Brooksdara mentioned it was illegal for them do so, but the current FAO read a list of ills that were all about my purportedly leaving another uni without proper notice. (Note: A rec/release can be done verbally.)

SO>>> are language school, non-public uni, tech school gigs, etc. -- any and all -- exempt from requiring to see/hear about an ft's recommendation/release letter? IE, can I get hired without them?

[Lobster]

I agree with Brookesdara. Not only did they require my release letter to renew my visa/RP in Shanghai, they also made a fuss because it had the chop of the school and not the business entity that handles the school's finances (issued in another city). At first they denied me outright, but I spoke to the duty supervisor who cleared me for renewal because I had less than a week left on my visa. This release form seems to have taken on a higher degree of importance, because that was the first time in 10 years I've had to provide one.

RED

[Cubism]

Got all my facts marshalled & printed up pages of grievances& the breaches of my contract. I'm exhausted; my eyes are twitching, etc

A friend translated the simple list of breaches (16) into Chinese. Looked very good. Felt good to be honest about these clerks. To use the words "racism" and "harassment." So -- I haven't been asking all these questions for nothing. Took the small book of enclosures, xeroxes, explanatory docs, lists, etc. to the city FAO today

This is really kind of serious: if the city fao says she can continue her hate campaign/not sign --she gets to keep on refusing to sign that letter, I can't work if the prc again...

Strange to think of not teaching in china in sept., not living in university housing, sweet kids, "Hi, Teacher." My visa doesn't expire until mid-9, but can't think of where to live. The uni's always taken care of that.

We shall see.

[theincredibleegg]

Cubism,

Exactly what is the reason behind the school not giving you a recommendation form?

You don't need a recommendation in China, except for places like Beijing and Shanghai
.
There are plenty of ways around almost everythng. If they ask for a recommendation form, then say that you've never heard of it and thus didn't ask for one.

If the employer wants you badly anough, they'll figure out ways to get your visa.

If that doesn't work, then there are plenty of shady jobs you can have on an F-visa.

[CJD]

actually the recommendation/release form is an important part of getting a z-visa(not just in beijing and shanghai...). of course it's not completely necessary in all cases, but if a school asks for it, it's probably because they need it to apply for your z-visa.

[Cubism]

This I need, because this squirrely FAO persists. Won't sign my release /recommendation form. I've jumped through all the legal hoops, but if I had this one bit of legal terminology, I'd rest easy, feel less akin to a bag person knowing I could work again legally in China. Cannot find it anywhere. Thanks.

[Optional_Toaster]

Rent a cop! PM me about work stuff.... Think that you might be able to hop off for a quick trip, a new visa, and a new job. PM or email me your resume, I might be able to hook you up with someone decent. I think you know who I am! No promises, but I'll do my best!

[Songbird]

Yep, seems like this form IS both LOR and recommendation letter. I've got them for the last couple of jobs I've done, and picking up one tomorrow for my current job. Actually, when the FAO called me about it on Friday, she said it does actually kill the two birds with one stone. I still got the dean to do an English recommendation letter for me anyway, so it'll be interesting to compare when I get the Chinese one translated if she still gives me a glowing reference!

[El Chupacabra]

Is this a duplicate thread?

Just have your department fill out the recommendation part of the form. Your FAO has no business scribbling anything in that field.

The FAO's job is to release you. Doesn't matter what he or she thinks about you. Make sure the bottom field with questions is complete, and that question #1 has the leftmost answer selected. That means you followed your contract to the tee.